Justice Society Of America #17

Any book that opens with a screaming monkey pretty much deserves a five right there, right?  Right?

Okay, even without the screaming monkey, this issue was a joy to read as it usually is.  The story continues on with the arc with Gog (the nice purple one, not the small evil one) as he continues to do good things for the JSA and Africa.  The essential conflict comes down to "Should we trust this guy?" as members of the JSA and the the JLA answer in their individual ways.  Some are ready to accept his motives at face value and others are not so inclined.  Nowhere does this become any more profound than it does in the scene between Mr. Terrific and Dr. Mid-Nite as the latter is interrupted at church by the former.  Coming off of last issue's moment where Gog couldn't hear Mr. Terrific but hear Amazing Man, Michael confides in Pieter that he wishes that he could have faith in God (and thus meet his deceased wife when he passes on) but something inside won't allow to just see the amazing and miraculous things he bears witness to as proof of a spiritual world.  The struggle and hurt within Terrific's soul is palpable and truly felt.  It makes for possibly the most well-written scene I read this week... and it's only a couple pages.  Rock on, Mr. Johns.

The rest of the book devotes itself to the many things Gog does.  He heals the sick and feels the starving.  He gives Sandman a good day's sleep.  He gives encouragement to Stargirl.  he gives Starman a clear mind.  He gives Dr. Mid-Nite sight.  He sends Power Girl "home" (Earth-2, I'd imagine) which supposedly will be covered in the next annual.  Then, Gog senses violence ahead of him and flips, aggressively knocking over trees and declaring he shall eliminate war from the region.  What he has in mind for who shall be answered next issue...

This was a really great continuation of this new story with Gog.  Johns' writing is as sharp and crisp as always and Fernando Pasarin's art serves the piece incredibly well.  The characterizations are tight and well-done and the story continues to be a truly interesting one.  Once again, JSA shows itself to be a great book that never fails to entertain.